Reaction To Eagles' Free Agent Moves

The news of the Eagles’ signings spread quickly throughout the NFL world. What are the experts saying? We took a trip around the web to find out ...

Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sport’s Shutdown Corner blog, who listed the Eagles as one of the winners of day one: "Less than two years ago, the Eagles made big splash after big splash in free agency, moves that yielded a 12-20 record and resulted in the firing of head coach Andy Reid ... The centerpiece of the transactions was Isaac Sopoaga, a versatile former 49ers defensive lineman who could play a few spots along the Eagles' line.

“The Eagles added cornerback Bradley Fletcher, an oft-injured player who will certainly play on the outside in a secondary that released Nnamdi Asomugha on Tuesday and figures to lose Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to free agency. The Eagles also signed safety Patrick Chung, who should compete for a starting job, and linebacker Jason Phillips, a core special teams guy. On offense, the Eagles added Swiss army knife James Casey, a fullback/tight end hybrid whose versatility will be appreciated by Chip Kelly's unique offensive mind."

Dan Graziano of ESPN, on why TE James Casey is a good fit for the Eagles: "The idea of someone like Casey, who can function as a blocker, a receiver out of the backfield or a tight end, has to seem exciting to a coach who likes to experiment and stay as multiple as possible on offense. The Eagles can run double-tight end looks with Casey and Brent Celek or line the new guy up in the backfield and force teams to have to account for him as something more than a blocker."

Sports Illustrated on the signing of safety Patrick Chung: "If Chung can prove that he’s capable of staying healthy, Philadelphia might have found a long-term answer at safety here."

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, on why he likes the signing of cornerback Bradley Fletcher: "Fletcher is a player who has had two knee surgeries, but when he has been healthy he has been a quality man-cover player. Fletcher didn't play as much as he should have last year because he was on a one-year deal and the Rams were in a youth movement. They played rookie Trumaine Johnson at nickel corner, but Fletcher should have been on the field. The Eagles have a major need at corner, so this is a good move. Here's a bet he starts."

Pro Football Focus on what Fletcher brings to the table: "Last year, despite being demoted from a Rams lineup that was keen to move on from him, he made the most of his opportunities to allow only 0.52 yards per snap in coverage. The lowest of all cornerbacks in the league."

Lance Zierlein of The Sideline View and a radio host in Houston, on the Casey signing: "I really hate seeing James Casey leave Houston for Philly ... is best suited as an H-Back/move TE like (New England tight end) Aaron Hernandez. Casey was even a backup QB in college & should be used with trick plays."